Bowie and a bacon butty at Ziggy Played Guitar, Highams Park

Highams Park in East London is enjoying a bit of a café renaissance of late. Hot on the heels of the eat-in deli Pantry & Co, another new café has opened its doors and we can’t help but follow the breakfast scent of flat whites and bacon sandwiches.

The rather brilliantly named Ziggy Played Guitar (yes, do expect to enjoy your croissant against a backdrop of Bowie prints and other cool homewares) is open for breakfast, lunch and afternoon tea with a hint of a cool, retro vibe. The affordable menu covers fresh pastries, homemade cakes, brunch favourites such as avocado on toast or poached eggs with smoked salmon, and heartier lunches of Pieminister pies with mash and gravy. Excellent coffees, teas and cold drinks are also on offer.

Kids from babies to school children are very welcome here: we parked up the pushchair and grabbed a space on the squashy vintage sofa, while the little one got stuck into the box of toys and books. Babycinos and other toddler favourites are on the menu, and the friendly owners didn’t even flinch when the babycino cup made a sharp exit to the floor (oops, sorry!).

The end corner of the café is a mini gift shop selling all sorts of fabulous goodies, from baby clothes and toys to jewellery, prints, homewares and cards.

This is the kind of place where parents can relax with their kids or solo diners can grab a table for a quick bite to eat—all are welcome. The real Bowie may no longer be with us, but we’re glad another Ziggy has moved in!

Kerry is a freelance PR and writer who lives in east London with her partner and their toddler son. When not working she can be found exploring London’s museums and galleries, as well as trying to find some non-traditional child-friendly hangouts in the city. City life is peppered with frequent escapes to the coast and countryside of her native North Norfolk and beyond. She also edits eco travel/lifestyle blog Goodtrippers—www.goodtrippers.co.uk.